Living a more healthy lifestyle may be top of many people's list of New Year resolutions but a survey today revealed that many of the best intentions fail within a few hours.

Quitting smoking (27%), losing weight (24%) and eating more healthily (16%) were the top resolutions during 2003, according to Fitness Expo.

But its poll of more than 2,000 people found that a third of last year's pledges only lasted up to a week and one in seven lasted just a few hours.

Smoking appeared the toughest to quit, and of the 27% who wanted to kick the habit a quarter only lasted a few hours in 2003 and half only lasted two or three days.

However there was some success, with a quarter managing to stay off the fags for more than three months.

Junk food

Resolutions to ditch junk food proved to be more successful, with half of the 16% wanting to eat more healthily lasting more than three months.

Of those wanting to cut out chocolate, crisps and junk food, 40% made it past the three-month mark too.

For 2004, a quarter of people were planning to try to lose weight.

One in six wanted to improve their overall body shape and one in 10 intended to exercise with friends and family.

Ivan Allen, of Fitness Expo 2004 being held in London in May, said: "Although there's a fun side to New Year resolutions, they can also be a genuinely successful way to kick off a new healthy lifestyle - from giving up smoking to getting the recommended amount of 30 minutes' exercise five times a week.

"The good news is that people seem keen to stick with resolutions for longer and there remains a strong commitment to fitness and good health, along with a balanced and relaxed lifestyle."

The Fitness Expo 2004 show at Earls Court on May 15-16 will showcase health, diet and fitness products to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Jumpstart

* Women are being encouraged to produce their own training programme online as part of the Jumpstart UK initiative.

Beginners to more experienced exercisers can adapt the plan to their own abilities using guidance at www.nikewomen.com/uk from January 1.

The scheme is backed by English distance runner Paula Radcliffe, who said: "I know I'm biased but I really do think running is one of the best forms of exercise out there.

"I always train hard in the New Year as it is the way I mean to go on, but it is hard and you need to push yourself, and a bit of external advice always helps, and that is where Jumpstart comes in."

What will your New Year's resolution be? Will you keep to it throughout the year? Let us know below.